Car-coupling



1P. w. BRIDENBEGKER.

(No Model.)

' GAR COUPLING.

Patented Jan. 5, 1897.

J IQ-OM -I.

UNITED STATES" PATENT OFFI E. j

FRANK W. BRIDENBEOKER, OF FRANKFORT, NEWV YORK.

OAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 574,383, dated January 5, 1897. Application filed May 22, 1396. Serial No. 592,536, (N 1 M 81) [0 able others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in pin-and-link couplings.

One of the advantages, among several, of this old type of couplings over the so-called knuckle-couplings, which have recently come into general use, is that by the pin-andzo link form of coupling there is always a certain amount of slack between the cars composing a train, so that the train, however long it may be, is started comparatively easy and also stopped easily and gradually; but

5 the use of knuckle couplings and other couplings of the same type involves a solid or compact train, without any appreciable slack or play between'the individual cars, so that such a train is not only very hard to start,

0 involving a tremendous strain upon the engine to set it in motion, but owing to its great momentum as a solid compact mass it is very difficult to stop, even by the prompt applica-' tion of the air-brakes.

- 3 5 The object of my invention is, therefore, to

provide a pin-and-link coupling which, While possessing all the advantages of that form of coupling, shall yet be without its well-known drawbacks, and which can be operated automatically and with the same case and certainty as knuckle-couplings and similar devices of more modern type.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a car-coup- 5 ling constructed according to my invention,

showing a draw-head and a link engaged therewith. Fig. 2 is a similar view of another draw-head, showing the parts in position to receive the link. Fig. 3 is a front view of r the same.

In the said drawings the reference-numeral 1 designates the draw-bars, which maybe of any suitable construction, and which are secured to the cars in any manner found convenient or desirable. These bars, at their front or outer ends, are provided with drawheads 2, formed wit-h the usual flaring mouth 3. Formed in the upper and lower side of the draw-head is a cylindrical aperture at for the reception of an ordinary coupling-pin 5. The lower outer side of the draw-head is formed with a longitudinal slot 6, in which is located a hook 7, having a weighted end 8. This hook is formed with an elongated slot 9 for the passage of a transverse rod 10, which forms the fulcrum of the hook.

Pivoted to a transverse rod 13, extending across the draw-head, is a pin-holder l4,provided with a lip 15, upon which thelower end of the coupling rests when in position to engage with a link carried by an approaching car. This pin-holder is provided with two downwardly-extending arms 16, which are struck by the link and the pin-holder turned or rotated to disengage the lip from the pin.

The operation is as follows: Then the cars are to be coupled, the link is inserted in the draw-head and the coupling-pin then passed through the apertures in the draw-head, as seen in the right-hand draw-head in Fig. 1, the hook engaging with the rear end of the link to hold it in a horizontal position, so that it will be properly presented to the opposite draw-head to enable it to readily enter the same as the two draw-heads approach each other. In the draw-head with which thelink is to be connected (seen at the left in Fig. 1) the coupling-pin is inserted in the upper opening of the draw-head, with its lower end restin g on the lip of the pin-holder. As the drawheads come together the link will strike the pin-holder, when it will turn the latter, releasing the pin and allowing it to drop.

The object of the slot in the weighted hook is for the purpose of allowing the latter to have a play or movement to accommodate the coupler to cars of varying heights and for turning curves.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a car-coupling, the combination with the draw-head having alined apertures for the passage of a coupling-pin, and an elongated slot in its lower side, of the pin-holder located in the draw-head and pivotally connected holderformedwithah01ding-1ip,the Weighted therewith, having a lip forming asupport for hook having an elongated slot, and the fulholding a coupling-pin in an elevated posicrum-r0dpassingtheretlnough;substantially tion, and the Weighted hook passing through as described. 15

5 said slot and pivotally connected with the In testimony that I claim the foregoing as draw-head, and having its upper end curved my own I have hereinto affixed my signature backwardly to engage with a coupling-link, in presence of two Witnesses.

substantially as described. FRANK XV. BRI'DENBECKER.

2. In a car-coupiing, the combination with \Vitnesses: IO the draw-head having alined pin-apertures E. LA GRANGE SMITH,

and a slot in its lower side, of the pivoted pin- E. S. LAMBERSON. 

